The global standard bearers of soil governance

Abstract

The need for effective governance of soil resources is critical. This article outlines five levels of national soil governance against which states may assess themselves and highlights those the authors consider to be in the top category. Responding to the question Which countries or political states can be viewed as ‘global standard bearers of soil governance?’ it describes exemplars of national and subnational best practice that, if widely emulated, could significantly improve the condition of land and soil globally.

Keywords

• Soil governance
• Soil legislation
• Regulatory enforcement
• Best practice
• Soil ecosystem services
• Farmland protection